Shelter Associate

Job Description

Job DescriptionSalary: $19 hourly

Job Title: Shelter Associate

Job Status: Full Time; Non-Exempt (40 hours/week)

Reports to: Shelter Manager

Schedule: 8AM-5PM, Tuesday-Saturday

About Our Organization:

HSCC is committed to the well-being of animals and their families: our mission is to ensure that every pet has a loving home and that every pet owner has access to the resources they need to give those pets happy, healthy lives. Our pledge to the members of our community both animal and human alike is to conduct our work with compassion, integrity, transparency, and a high standard of quality. In support of our mission, HSCC is committed to keeping pets and their families together through our surrender prevention resources and humane education initiatives. HSCC rehomes over 1,200 animals per year, including cats, dogs, and small companion animals, and serves upwards of 20,000 people each year through our adoption center, community programs & services, humane education programs, and low-cost Community Pet Clinic.

You would be joining a dedicated, passionate, and collaborative team in an environment that fosters compassion and empathy for all living things, and a workplace culture that supports this ethos. At HSCC, our staff is our greatest asset, and we offer a full benefits package including low-cost veterinary care, paid time off, and access to health insurance with a monthly company-paid medical insurance stipend.

Position Summary:

HSCCs Shelter staff play a key role in the well-being of animals and ensuring a positive experience for the public in the Adoption Center. The team cares for an average of 80 animals daily, each with unique needs, often coming from stressful situations. Shelter staff create a safe, clean, and comfortable environment to help animals acclimate as they transition to new homes. Staff also facilitate the adoption process, guiding adopters through every step, from introductions to expert advice on pet care, ensuring a smooth adoption experience. This role requires compassionate, dependable individuals with strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and commitment to HSCCs mission.

Essential Functions:

Safely handle a variety of domestic animals and provide comfort, assess behavior, and ease stress

Clean and disinfect animal enclosures, supplies, and maintain dog play yards

Feed animals, administer medications, and maintain accurate records

Sort and fold laundry, operate commercial washers and dryers, and perform general facility cleaning

Work with contracted dog trainers and the Behavior Coordinator to implement learned skills in dog care and management

Greet and assist volunteers, visitors, and adopters, ensure proper sign-in and provide information

Provide adoption counseling and complete related database entries, adoption paperwork, and process payments accurately

Educate visitors and callers about animal care, shelter programs, and services

Accurately process and document donations, fees, sales, and maintain adoption materials

Assist with adoption promotions, special events, and marketing materials

Provide excellent customer service, promoting HSCCs mission and creating a positive, non-judgmental atmosphere

Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

Experience in a veterinary hospital, animal welfare organization, or animal care facility is helpful

Ability to receive direction and guidance and work well under pressure in emotional situations

Commitment to superior animal care and humane treatment of animals

Excellent customer service, written, computer, and verbal communication skills

Availability for weekend and holiday work

Punctual and dependable

Committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable team culture

Physical Requirements

Ability to bend, twist, and to lift at least 50lbs

Ability to perform moderate to heavy physical labor

Ability to handle animals, including large canines

Workplace Environment

HSCC is a busy animal shelter environment with frequent noise and with the presence of animal dander and potential allergens

Possible exposure to sick, under-socialized and/or reactive animals in addition to potential exposure to parasites and infectious disease

Work with the canine population requires time outside and weather conditions will vary

A variety of cleaning agents are used in the facility to ensure cleanliness and the safety of animals

and staff, as such use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with safety protocols may be required